In search and rescue missions, every second counts. The ability to accurately and quickly identify the location of a downed aircraft is critical. 

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) knows very well its responsibility and mission to protect the marine environment and to conduct search and rescue operations across the massive 53 million square kilometers of the Melbourne Flight Information Region (FIR) and Brisbane FIR, plus a 300-nautical-mile buffer/transition zone. In 2024, the agency signed on for Aireon Locate, based resource that enables search and rescue organizations to rapidly and accurately pinpoint the location of an ADS-B-equipped aircraft, to support its core mission. 

AMSA is responsible for a search and rescue region that covers approximately one-tenth of the earth’s surface, including Australia’s vast oceans and remote inland areas. According to an AMSA report, the agency’s Challenger aircraft flew more than 1,086 hours during live search and rescue in 2025, assisting 22 lives, and saving 23 lives.